https://story.tcburr.com

⬆️ Get the free scene card template

Do you feel called to write a book but struggle to find the margin in a life full of responsibilities?

You don't need more time; you need a better system.

In this episode, I’m breaking down my systematic 8-step framework for writing a book, the same one I use as a full-time husband and dad with a corporate job.

We’re moving past the "burnout" model of writing and toward a peaceful, sustainable process of manuscript development.

We’ll walk through the entire journey, including:

0:00 Accomplishing the impossible task of writing an ENTIRE book

1:12 Capture & consolidate your book ideas into one digital place

4:10 Get your ideas out on paper (brain dump / mind map)

6:59 Organize your idea with a framework like Save the Cat! or the STORY framework

10:14 Flesh out scenes using Story Genius Scene Cards

13:09 Writing your first draft

16:53 When you finish the draft - celebrate & let it sit

18:11 Read it back (no heavy editing!)

19:05 Close the loop by sharing with a few trusted readers

Writing a book is a responsibility, not a rebellion against your other callings. You CAN do this, and this framework will show you how to start today.

Mentioned in this episode:

Scrivener Writing software - https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70

Story Genius - https://amzn.to/4aSyvmA

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - https://amzn.to/4ajBft1

Scene Card Template - https://story.tcburr.com

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Related videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db3Y5_1Q3nI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZBSieGZm8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOUnDufz4g

#WritingProcess #HowToWriteABook #BusyWriter #Stewardship #CreativeWriting #ChristianWriter #WritingFramework #NovelWriting #SaveTheCat

https://story.tcburr.com

grab this template for free

If you want to write a book, but have limited time in the midst of work, relationships, responsibilities...I've found that the very BEST way to make it happen is to have a plan.

Your story needs cohesion. It needs a cause-and-effect trajectory.

It needs a compelling plot, but it also needs a powerful third rail that drives the story forward.

Enter Story Genius by Lisa Cron.

This book has helped me perhaps more than any other when it comes to writing my novel, and I think it will help you, too. And this scene card template pairs perfectly with Cron's book!

0:00 How to plan the next scene in your book - Story Genius Scene Cards

0:47 New Writers Welcome! My writing journey & content focus

1:25 Writing a cohesive, cause and effect story (What scene comes next)

3:10 Live Demo: Story Genius Scene Card template (Google Sheets)

3:48 Scene Number, Alpha Point, Subplots

4:21 The Plot | What happens and the consequence

5:19 The Third Rail | why it matters and the realization

6:47 What to do (detailed prescription to build your story)

7:40 Creating your story, scene by scene

8:36 Try Story Genius Scene Cards in Scrivener

9:09 Your turn: Get the Google Sheets Scene Card Template

Related videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZBSieGZm8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db3Y5_1Q3nI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sOUnDufz4g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1MQfSdo5hk

Get Story Genius

https://amzn.to/4cetvd4

Get the Scene Card

https://story.tcburr.com

Get Scrivener

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

#writer #writingabook #scenecards #writingmotivation #aspiringauthor

Have you ever wondered if you’re too old to write a book, or if you've missed your chance somewhere along the way?This is a question I hear all the time. And honestly, it's one I've wrestled with myself, too.In this week's video, I talk about why writing later in life isn’t a disadvantage, and why it may actually be the perfect time to start. With more life experience, deeper empathy, and a clearer sense of who you are, you may be more prepared to write than you realize.This isn’t about chasing a dream recklessly or rearranging your entire life. It’s about writing honestly, faithfully, and in a way that fits the season you’re actually in.

If you’ve ever thought:“I should’ve started years ago”“I’m too busy now”“Who am I to call myself a writer?”This conversation is for you. You haven’t missed your chance. You might just be right on time.

0:00 The quiet fear facing many writers

0:29 Too Late to write? Maybe the perfect time

1:33 A new perspective on regret

1:44 The early-or-never writing myth

3:07 How to deal with comparison to other writers

3:55 Life doesn't delay writers, it creates them

5:04 Why now may be the perfect time to write your book

5:14 The desire to write a book isn't random

5:42 Run YOUR writing race

6:05 What will you do in this moment?

6:21 Time to start paying attention to the desire to write

6:57 You're not too lateIf you’re new here, welcome. I make videos for people with full lives who still feel called to write. subscribe @tcburr And if you're ready to take that calling seriously, I created a gentle on-ramp to help you get started. https://time.tcburr.com

Other videos:https://youtu.be/5sOUnDufz4g?si=grMfFyRBj-4IE8bbhttps://youtu.be/m9APF0wj9mw?si=6R8BkIsL1myJ33nuhttps://youtu.be/db3Y5_1Q3nI?si=NlZ_diZLXupjqokdhttps://youtu.be/XOZBSieGZm8?si=11yyXc25u6hINQ3bhttps://youtu.be/sRNTvmmmqgU?si=GJH08zhQ-mfjjgDP

#WritingAdvice#AspiringWriter#WritingLaterInLife#CalledToWrite#WriteYourBook#WritingJourney

"How’s your book coming along?"It’s a well-meaning question (and I love when people ask it!) but...it’s also one of the hardest ones to answer.In this video, I share an honest update on my novel, along with a few reflections I’ve picked up along the journey. tl;dr: Writing is hard. It takes a long time. And most of us are trying to do it in lives that are already full.This episode isn't a polished lesson or a productivity hack. Think of it more like a conversation around a fire pit or over a cup of coffee. Unscripted. Lightly edited. A little raw on purpose.0:00 - How's your book coming along? Why I hate and love this question0:30 - About me, my book0:59 - Writing a book is hard1:12 - My writing journey & background2:46 - How my story and my writing has changed4:30 - Craft writing resources6:01 - The biggest challenge writing multiple points of view (POV) 6:31 - Finding a consistent time to write6:53 - Prioritize Writing Your Book8:10 - My Writing Routine9:25 - Why I don't "write every day" 9:57 - Consistency in writing (not burnout) 10:32 - Making a plan to write your book10:42 - Atomic Habits for Writers12:22 - No time to write your book?12:43 - Why I quit social media14:22 - Conclusion - Let's stay connected If you're just starting out OR if you’re feeling stuck, behind, discouraged, or unsure whether you’re doing this “right,” you’re not alone. Most writers feel this way at some point. Probably more often than they admit.My hope is that this video feels like an introduction. Or maybe a reminder that we’re in this together. And that the work you're doing truly matters. Let me know what you're working on, and how it's going! Some of the things I mention here could easily become deeper conversations in future episodes, and I’m happy to follow the threads that matter most to you.Thanks for being here.— T.C.Mentioned in this video: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel https://amzn.to/4qVU8aRStory Genius https://amzn.to/4pD1rDfAtomic Habits https://amzn.to/3Z40AktScrivener https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview?fpr=thomas70Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.#writingjourney#writinglife#amwriting#aspiringauthor#writingstruggles#authorlife#writingcommunity#writingwithalife

check out https://early.tcburr.com to create a writing rhythm that works with your busy life

Most dads don’t quit on their dream of writing a book because they stopped caring.

They quit because life got loud.

With full time work, marriage, and kids, exhaustion is natural and free time feels like a myth.

Our calendars and lives are so full, the idea of adding something new...especially something BIG...feels like a pipe dream.

I always wanted to write a book but somewhere along the way, the idea started to feel… unrealistic.

In this video, I share what it’s actually been like writing my debut novel in my 40s as a busy dad with limited time, inconsistent energy, and a very full life.

I talk about:

00:00 My Writing Journey Begins

01:00 The Early Writing Blueprint - my writing system

03:00 Writer or Career Dad? The binary fallacy

03:52 Overcoming identity blocks to write your book

04:35 Atomic Habits for Authors

06:35 Building a Writing System

08:59 Learning as You Go

10:05 It's Not Too Late

11:30 Your Writing Action PlanThis is NOT hustle culture.

It's not "grind or die."

It’s about writing in the margins of real life, and trusting that small, consistent effort adds up.

If you’re a dad (or a mom!) who’s always wanted to write a book but feels behind, exhausted, or unsure where to start, I made this video for people like us.

You’re not too late.

You’re not lazy.

And your story still matters.

Links: (Some are affiliates, which means if you purchase using the link I get a small commission at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Early Writer's Blueprint: https://early.tcburr.com

Scrivener QuickStart Guide: https://start.tcburr.com

Try Scrivener Now: https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=t-c37

Get Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/3MNy1og

subscribe on YouTube @tcburr

#WritingInYour40s#BusyDadLife#AspiringAuthor#DadWriter#WritingMotivation#LateBloomer#WriteYourBook#CreativeDad#WritingJourney#ItsNotTooLate

The week after Christmas is strange.The year is basically over, the new one hasn’t started yet, and the pressure to “figure everything out” starts creeping in.If you’re feeling behind… if you’re wondering why you didn’t make more progress… or if you’re already disappointed in yourself before the new year even begins...this video is for you.In this walk-and-talk reflection, I share a grace-centered way to look at the past year and a healthier, more sustainable way to think about goals, growth, and New Year’s resolutions.00:00 Introduction and Year Reflection00:46 Navigating the In-Between01:27 Rethinking Goals and Expectations02:23 Embracing Grace and Progress04:01 Intentional Steps ForwardYou didn’t fail 2025.You’re not behind.And you don’t need to blow up your life to move forward.Maybe this isn’t the year everything changes.Maybe it’s just the year you begin.If you’re an aspiring writer, creative, or busy parent who wants to make progress without burning out, stick around. This is a conversation we’re going to keep having.#NewYearReflection #GraceOverHustle #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #CreativeLife #AspiringWriter #WritingLife #CreativeProcess #FaithAndWork #PurposeDriven #SlowGrowth #IntentionalLiving #FindTimeToWrite